The Day Shall Come (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Miami serves as a vibrant and fitting backdrop due to its diverse culture and the complex race relations that exist within the city. The stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Miami reflects the world that Moses Al Shabazz navigates, highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities. The city's grit and energy underscore the tension between legal and illegal aspects of life that Moses experiences.

• miami
• setting
• location
• race relations
• urban

The film is set in a contemporary, near-future time period that reflects current socio-political tensions around extremism, surveillance, and community struggles. This modern setting allows the story to engage with issues like evolving justice mechanisms and societal perceptions of activism that are relevant today.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• near-future
• surveillance

Non-violence is central to the film, embodied by Moses Al Shabazz who preaches against armed revolution despite facing oppression. His commitment to peaceful ideals clashes with a world where violence often seems like the only solution, creating a core moral dilemma that resonates with historical social justice movements.

• non-violence
• peace
• activism
• protest
• moral dilemma

Manipulation is a dominant theme, shown through characters exploiting vulnerabilities for personal or institutional gain. FBI agent Kendra Glack operates in ethical gray areas of law enforcement, while Moses's dealings reveal how revolutionary ideals can become entangled with deceit. The film critiques how both individuals and authorities twist narratives for ulterior motives.

• manipulation
• deception
• fbi
• ethics
• power

The film explores justice through the disparity between what marginalized communities hope for and what the legal system actually delivers. Moses and his followers face harsh consequences that reveal systemic issues penalizing activism rather than addressing root injustices. The movie poses questions about what true justice looks like in a discriminatory society.

• justice
• systemic
• injustice
• activism
• discrimination

Moses Al Shabazz is a charismatic Miami street preacher who grapples with his religious beliefs while living on the fringes of society. He is committed to non-violence and hopes for peace, but desperation leads him to make questionable decisions. He embodies the struggles of marginalized individuals striving for dignity and justice.

• moses al shabazz
• preacher
• activist
• non-violence
• community

Kendra Glack is an FBI agent who represents a moral crossroads, caught between her professional duty and growing compassion for Moses. As she navigates the complexities of her role, her initial intentions become clouded by manipulation and opportunism. Her journey raises questions about loyalty, ethics, and how systemic pressures impact personal choices.

• kendra glack
• fbi agent
• law enforcement
• ethics
• moral conflict

Venus is Moses Al Shabazz's wife, portrayed as a figure of strength and maternal instincts. She ultimately prioritizes her family's safety over loyalty to the commune, escaping with her child. Her character reflects the vital role of women in activism and family dynamics, showing the emotional toll that Moses's decisions have on their family.

• venus
• wife
• family
• protection
• supporting character

The FBI conducts a complex sting operation targeting Moses Al Shabazz, with agent Kendra Glack leading the pursuit. The operation escalates into a dangerous and increasingly bizarre game, raising questions about entrapment and how law enforcement targets vulnerable individuals. The film critiques the methods used by authorities against marginalized activists.

• fbi
• sting operation
• entrapment
• investigation
• law enforcement

The film has a dominantly dark and cynical tone, using satirical critique to examine law enforcement and systemic injustice. It blends absurd, dark comedy with pervasive anxiety and tragedy. The story depicts the inevitable tragic downfall of a fundamentally non-violent character, creating a heavy emotional weight throughout.

• tone
• style
• satire
• comedy
• drama
• dark comedy